Travel

A British Airways 747 did the JFK-London in 4:56. Left 17 minutes late, and landed 1 hour, 42 minutes early anyway. Hit 825 mph ground speed.

Have a day to burn in Miami with the two kids. Any ideas on what to do or go see? We were thinking of hitting Key largo and a couple closer keys or even the Everglades, but not sure.

You can’t beat an Everglades tour with kids. An airboat through the mangroves is like another world. Depending on age you can kayak. Everglades are just so unique I’d do that!

Man I really want to do that but guessing they are too young. 3.5 and 1.5

The Vizcaya museum and gardens is neat. It's an old villa that is open to the public. Key Biscayne is cool, too, especially the Cape Florida lighthouse. I was out there recently with my wife and we enjoyed walking around the different neighborhoods. Wynwood, Little Havana, etc. Great Cuban food along Calle Ocho, of course.

I am going on my annual trip to Hawaii on Friday, ALOHA ?

Don't like the toilet seat.

We have a trip to Kauai scheduled first week in May.....

They are talking about imposing restrictions on select domestic air travel. What if you're "stuck" in Hawaii and can't get back home? Then again I can think of worse places to be stranded.

:confused2: :crazy:

I think in reference to the discussion in the Corona thread, it was supposed to say don’t “lick” the toilet seat.

Yeah. People are stupid.

And crave attention.

Haha yes was supposed to be "lick" in reference to someone trying to prove they're more powerful than the virus.

I had to postpone my trip to Hawaii on Friday, reset to fly in December

was in vegas from feb 24 to march 3rd was no panic at the time streets were full a few people wearing masks

Last year we booked a trip to go to Grand Teton and Yellowstone in late May to the first few days of June. Obviously we are in unprecedented times, but looking to see if anyone has any advice.

We booked most of our reservations using Chase Ultimate Rewards points we had been saving up for awhile. This appears to be a giant mistake right now.

Last week we recieved word that our lodging for the Grand Teton portion of the trip will be closed through June 7th, and our Lodge for a significant portion of the Yellowstone visit is closed through June 1st.. Both have emailed saying they have cancelled reservations and provided refunds. We didn't get a refund. I called the hotel and they said they showed no money on our reservation and we would have to call Chase. Chase still shows all our reservations as a go...

I called Chase and they refuse to help me. They are only helping travellers who are within the next 7 days. There is a significant amount of points hanging out there on these reservations. All had some non-refundable deposits. I assume I get my deposit back on the 2 that are closed. They other 1 I will pay the deposit on to cancel/move. I can cancel on the Chase website, but they all show me as getting a refund minus the deposit, 2 nights worth in both cases. The only thing I was able to cancel without hassle was the rental car.

Delta, who we are flying, cannot help us either as we booked through chase. They only thing I can do there is a flat out cancellation, and then I don't know what happens to my ticket... We paid $1,600 for 3 tickets and I am not really feeling like making a $1,600 donation to Delta.

We have found dates in September that work for us, and are hoping things return to normal by then. We have booked some hotels in September that either have fully-refundable deposits or very small non-refundable ones in the event we find a flight that can work. I'd just prefer to book them on points, we saved almost 200,000 points for this trip and it would be nice to use them instead of cash before they are completely worthless.

I am afraid if we wait until May 20th (7 days from our original departure) there may not be a flight available that still works with our hotels. And the hotels are filling up quickly with people re-booking.

Any ideas from my verteran/savvy travelers? Do I just cancel on Delta.com, wait for my eVoucher, and re-book the flight in September we want? If That flight gets moved because this thing drags out much longer, do we still get our original $1,600 flight value? Or the value of a similar ticket on the new flight which is significantly cheaper (about half)?

Again, first world problems and not a super high priority given the circumstances. Just thought I'd ask for input.

Since this summer's trip is probably going to be cancelled, I am looking into next summer. Anyone have advice on things to see, places to stay, not miss sights in:

Romania- I am thinking Bucharest and drive to Brasov area for the castles.

Turkey- Istanbul and Ephesus (might make it a flying, fast day trip if it is worth it).

This was a big travel year for us and we're hoping we get to do some of it:

- Hawaii (Spring Break) - CANCELED

- Detroit (Forzen Four) - CANCELED

- Vegas (July 4th) - Guys trip

- Sonoma (August) - 20th Anniversary

Holding out hope.

We were going to try a bus/train trip this July. Glacier NP and the Canadian Rockies. Almost a given it will be cancelled.

We were aiming for a bike trip to either Nova Scotia or up through the Rockies and on into BC

Seems like a bike trip is social distancing, so long as you camp out and eat drive through.

Come on George.

Borh of us are old enough that our days of voluntary sleeping on the ground, aka tent camping, are likely very limited.

I don't even get down on the floor any more with out a plan on how I will be getting back on my feet.?

No advise on Romania but I’ve been to Turkey and Istanbul 3 times. I do think Ephesus is worth it but not as a day trip. I’d hire a car and driver, they’re not expensive and do a loop. Pamukkale is on the way and is stunning! Nothing like it. Drive to Pamukkale, then on to Ephesus. Overnight and start with the whole day at Ephesus. You could then drive back late if you don’t want a second overnight. But if you do you could then add Cappadocia as another day stop.

I have lots of good tourist advice for Istanbul if you want. PM me. A fabulous Bosporus River cruise that is super cheap and NOT a tourist trap. And just a comment, summer is not the best time, it is VERY hot. March, April, May. Then skip to September or October for the best temps. Just a word of warning, never travel to Europe or the area in the summer! It is a tourist nightmare and ALL of Europe are taking their own vacations.

You don't have to camp out to be isolated. Rent a house/condo and wipe the hell out of everything with sanitizing towels.

We have a trip to Canada to fish coming up in June. I am hoping the border opens long enough to go. It doesn't get much more remote. The only risk would be sharing a cabin with 7 guys. But if they have cancellations, we might be able to spread out into 2 cabins. Holding out hope.

Oh I know J.

These days I have my sarcasm producer running right up against the rev limiter.

Momma's idea of roughing it is Motel 6 vs Hampton Inn

?

I think I've made a mistake with using my Hilton card too often, not sure she'll even accept a Hampton these days far less Motel 6!

I hear ya Brother.

Best Western was our go to chain when we went down to AZ in March. I have some free nights now but using them could be a McProblem

Made the same mistake as well, except for it is the Marriott properties, and concierge lounge access.

The Marriott concierge lounges are fantastic when they have liquor. In Tokyo our Marriott had the best lounge we hit happy hour every day almost and were primed for dinner. Saved us tonnes of cash.

I must be a low roller, didn't think Hampton Inn could be beat. The last one we stayed at in FL, the breakfast gal was making custom smoothies. She started with greek yogurt and pomegranate juice, then you choose the berries.

Every Marriott/Sheraton lounge I have been to in Europe, had at a minimum, wine and beer to go with full meals. Or course I had to partake in a few. The one in Como, Italy made you anything you wanted for breakfast, with along everything fresh (juices, fruits, breads...), all while overlooking Lake Como and the hills. It was rough.

Lake Como (Italy not Saint Paul) is quite possibly the most pleasant place on Earth.

Good thing you clarified.

Sounds like you need to take a trip to Berchtesgaden, Germany or Hallstatt, Austria. You might change your mind. Como is very busy, especially in comparison.

I am sure you have a family member who is close to retirement, 30 years "on the job", has Dual Citizenship, and likes hockey who could pay for the trip.

Berchtesgaden is in the plans for this year... if this little world wide situation sorts itself out in time.

Berchtesgaden and Garmisch are two of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Living in Bavaria as a young child for 3 years was rough

I thought that town sounded awfully familiar a quick google search revealed why.

Wow that truly is gorgeous.

GE has nothing better to do!

It’s beautiful all year round, but I’m partial to winter. I’ve been there twice in December to witness the Krampus / Buttenmandel parades. Check out the Buttenmandel Wiki for interest.

I just hope we can go. A couple friends of mine have never been to the Wiesn and we are planning on Berchtesgaden/Eagle's Nest after Munich before heading to Austria. I kind of want to grab a bier now!!

I got a trip to the Adriatic area in July that is in limbo (expecting the cancellation soon), that's why I am planning next summer's trip now. South America over Xmas is still in limbo as well. :anger:

Bad news...

https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1252584394713452547

Quick, somebody check on Viking and make sure he's ok.

This SUCKS!!!! :nutz:

I'll be drinking a bier tonight in mourning.

Just canceled the AirBnB. I should be able to get credit for the flights and use it next year, but I was really looking forward to the trip this year.

Let's see... upset, but drinking an appropriate beverage in memory of what was not to be. Sounds like you're doing as expected.

Sounds like we need a virtual Oktoberfest

There used to be a pretty significant sampling of home brews that occured in parking lots off W. 7th St. in St. Paul mid March.

Frozen Five Fest? ?

I know this is a super weird time to be thinking about this, but has anyone traveled or taken a vacation recently?

I've been getting a ton of super cheap airfare promotions in my inbox lately and I'm really tempted to go somewhere. However, with the patchwork of restrictions across the country and so many attractions/restaurants/businesses being closed, I don't know if it would even be worth it to go.

We are heading out to the Seattle area late June to visit family. But that’s it until possibly Thanksgiving. I had 2 conferences this summer, in July and August, both cancelled. And we were going to Africa mid-September to mid-Oct. We haven’t cancelled and the travel agent hasn’t cancelled but both are gearing up for a no go and a full scale delay until same time next year. Africa is only now really seeing the virus and it’s going to really sweep through. Our agent doesn’t think Sept will be safe and she suggested we delay.

We’re also getting the cheap flight offers and some are tempting. BUT, a little research shows few restaurants open, and NO museums or sports or anything to do. We’re passing and waiting. I’d be willing to travel IF there were activities and restaurants, otherwise no.

Our friend has their wedding in Greece (Mykonos) in Sept and we want to go, but not sure if the wedding will go on as planned and if it will be worth traveling by then. Watching closely.